The Difficulties Begin p. 186 - 189 Growing Tensions The Difficulties Begin p. 186 - 189

Differences Create Tension While Federalists held power in Mexico, the colonists were left alone. When the Centralist Party came to power in 1829, it issued regulations to bring the sates and provinces of Mexico more under the authority of the national government. Most Anglo-American colonists considered these regulations to be unnecessary and unfair. These clashes eventually led to a revolution.

Trouble Begins in East Texas The first clash between colonists and Mexican authorities came in 1826. Haden Edwards was awarded land, but when he arrived people were already living on his lands. Edwards forced all settlers to show their title or get one from him. Political Chief Justice Jose Antonio Saucedo told Edwards that he could not charge them for new land title.

The Republic of Fredonia Haden’s brother, Benjamin Edwards, believed the only hope for solving the problem was to declare the colony independent form Mexico. He made an alliance with a Cherokee Indian chief, Richard Fields, and prepared for action. In 1826, Edwards with about 30 armed settlers claimed the colony the Republic of Fredonia. U.S. and Austin's colony refused to help Edwards. January 1827, the Fredonian Revolt collapsed.

Miler y Teran Investigates The revolt had Mexican authorities worried; they thought the revolt was part of an American scheme to acquire Texas. 200 soldiers under Colonel Jose de las Piedras were sent to Nacogdoches to prevent an uprising. Anthony Butler, a U.S. ambassador, proposed that Mexico sell Texas to the U.S; this only fueled their suspicion that the U.S. wanted Texas. General Manuel de Mier y Teran was sent to investigate.

Mier y Teran Investigates He observed that the Anglo-American influence was strong and they outnumbered Mexican settlers by at least 5:1. He made it clear that if the Mexican government did not act at once, Texas would be lost forever. In 1829 the Mexican president issued a decree, or order, abolishing slavery. Texans attempted to persuade the government to exempt, or excuse, Texas from the decree. The decree was never put into affect, but Texas slave holders believed it was only a matter of time before it would apply to them.

The Law of April 6, 1830 On April 6, 1830, the Mexican government issued several new laws: It stopped immigration from the U.S. It suspended most empresario contracts that had not been completed. The government encouraged the immigration of Mexican and European families to Texas. It set up new forts. These soldiers would prevent smuggling, The introduction of slaves, Illegal land speculation.

The Law of April 6, 1830 Mexico discouraged trade between foreign nations and Texas by placing taxes called customs duties on goods made in foreign nations. Most colonists considered these unfair. Each side began to distrust the other. Stephen F. Austin tried to negotiate with Mexican leaders, but realized that serious damage had already occurred.